The Lancastrian King Henry VI retreated from the Yorkist army during the Wars of the Roses after his defeat at the Battle of Hexham in 1464. He lived at Bolton Hall, sheltered from his enemies by the then Lord of the Manor and House of Lancaster adherent, Sir Ralph Pudsey. Henry lived at the Hall for a year, prior to his capture and eventual execution at the Tower of London in 1471.

king henry well

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He was a pious and scholarly King; founding Eton College and King’s College, Cambridge. Legend has it that he discovered a Spring at Bolton Hall and commissioned a stone wall to surround the well. Now a Scheduled Ancient Monument, it features a bath-shaped receptacle built into the floor which makes it likely that it was used for bathing as well as drinking water.

king henry well

kinghenrys well

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King Henry’s legendary divining skills are said to be responsible for his discovering a spring and founding a well at Bolton Hall, where he stayed with Sir Ralph Pudsey in 1464 after the Wars of the Roses. The well survives intact as a Listed Ancient Monument and has recently been sensitively restored.

The site of the old Hall and grounds are now called King Henry’s Mews. These are now private & not open to the Public, although King Henrys Well and grounds can be seen from the public footpath highlighted on the above estate map. The residents of the estate would like to thank any visitors in advance in respecting their privacy and remaining on the public footpath.